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Master'sNaval, Offshore & Sports Nautical Applications open

Master’s in Sailing Sports & High-Performance Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in sports nautical and high-performance engineering. 12 modules covering hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, sail aerodynamics, VPP, structures, deck systems and performance data analysis under ISO 12215-5, ISO 12217-2 and Directive 2013/53/EU, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse the sports nautical sector and its competitions.

02

Calculate the stability of light craft.

03

Apply hydrodynamics and aerodynamics to design.

04

Predict performance with VPP software.

05

Design structures and deck systems.

06

Optimise performance through data analysis.

07

Manage high-performance boat projects.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Yacht design engineers moving into high-performance and racing craft.
  • Race performance engineers working with sailing teams.
  • Sailing data analysts who need a solid naval-architecture foundation.
  • Nautical project managers in recreational and racing shipyards.
  • Hydrodynamics specialists looking to apply their expertise to sports boats.
  • Sports shipyard technicians seeking a broader engineering view.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join recreational boatbuilders.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 12215-5 (small craft hull construction and scantlings)
  • ISO 12217-2 (stability and buoyancy assessment of sailing boats)
  • Directive 2013/53/EU (recreational craft and personal watercraft)
  • World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (safety requirements for offshore racing)
  • World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing (rules of competitive sailing)
  • ORC Rules (Offshore Racing Congress rating system)
  • IRC Rules (IRC rating rule)
  • Maxsurf
  • Rhinoceros 3D
  • ORC VPP
  • Expedition
  • ANSYS Fluent
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Segments of recreational and competitive boating
  2. 1.2European and Spanish nautical market
  3. 1.3Leading high-performance shipyards
  4. 1.4Racing classes: one-designs and formulas
  5. 1.5Professional circuits: America's Cup and SailGP
  6. 1.6Value chain of a sports boat
  7. 1.7Marinas, yacht harbours and services
  8. 1.8Sustainability trends in boating
  9. 1.9Profile of the user and the racing sailor
  10. 1.10Case study: market analysis of a one-design
  1. 2.1Hull geometry and form coefficients
  2. 2.2Displacement, centre of buoyancy and flotation
  3. 2.3Initial stability and metacentric height
  4. 2.4GZ righting-arm curve
  5. 2.5Crew righting moment
  6. 2.6Stability with movable ballast and canting keel
  7. 2.7ISO 12217 stability criteria
  8. 2.8Inclining tests afloat
  9. 2.9Dynamic stability and capsize
  10. 2.10Workshop: GZ curve of a 30-foot sailing yacht
  1. 3.1Viscous and wave-making resistance
  2. 3.2Froude number and planing regimes
  3. 3.3Delft systematic series
  4. 3.4Appendages: keel and rudder
  5. 3.5NACA hydrofoil sections
  6. 3.6Induced resistance and aspect ratio
  7. 3.7Hull–appendage interaction
  8. 3.8Towing tank tests
  9. 3.9Hull form optimisation with CFD
  10. 3.10Lab: resistance analysis with Maxsurf Resistance
  1. 4.1True wind and apparent wind
  2. 4.2Aerodynamic forces on the sail
  3. 4.3Lift and drag coefficients
  4. 4.4Mainsail–jib interaction
  5. 4.5Sail sections and twist
  6. 4.6Fractional and masthead rigs
  7. 4.7Masts and their aerodynamic influence
  8. 4.8Wind tunnel tests
  9. 4.9CFD simulation of sails
  10. 4.10Practical: coefficient polar of a sail plan
  1. 5.1Balance of forces and moments
  2. 5.2Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic models
  3. 5.3Formulation of a VPP
  4. 5.4Speed polar diagrams
  5. 5.5ORC and IRC rating systems
  6. 5.6Design optimisation with VPP
  7. 5.7Validation with real data
  8. 5.8Dynamic VPPs and manoeuvre prediction
  9. 5.9Tactical use of polars
  10. 5.10Workshop: VPP of a cruiser-racer with ORC VPP
  1. 6.1Loads on hull and rig
  2. 6.2ISO 12215 scantling standards
  3. 6.3Carbon-fibre composite materials
  4. 6.4Sandwich construction with cores
  5. 6.5Prepreg laminates and curing
  6. 6.6Structure of keels and centreboards
  7. 6.7Carbon masts and rigging
  8. 6.8Finite element structural analysis
  9. 6.9Structural quality control
  10. 6.10Case study: scantlings of a racing hull
  1. 7.1Deck layout and ergonomics
  2. 7.2Winches, windlasses and hydraulic systems
  3. 7.3Running rigging and technical ropes
  4. 7.4Canting and water-ballast systems
  5. 7.5Navigation and racing electronics
  6. 7.6Onboard electrical systems
  7. 7.7Onboard safety under World Sailing OSR
  8. 7.8Equipment maintenance
  9. 7.9Systems integration
  10. 7.10Practical: deck plan for a racing yacht
  1. 8.1Biomechanics of sailing
  2. 8.2Physical preparation of crews
  3. 8.3Ergonomics of workstations
  4. 8.4Fatigue management in long races
  5. 8.5Crew roles and communication
  6. 8.6Simulator training
  7. 8.7Video analysis of manoeuvres
  8. 8.8Performance psychology
  9. 8.9Nutrition and hydration in competition
  10. 8.10Case study: preparation plan for a championship
  1. 9.1Onboard performance sensors
  2. 9.2Data logging and telemetry
  3. 9.3Instrument calibration
  4. 9.4Comparison with target polars
  5. 9.5Data-driven manoeuvre analysis
  6. 9.6Analysis tools: Expedition and Python
  7. 9.7Machine learning applied to sailing
  8. 9.8Digital twins of the boat
  9. 9.9Performance reports
  10. 9.10Lab: analysis of a training session
  1. 10.1Offshore racing powerboats
  2. 10.2Deep-V and stepped hulls
  3. 10.3Inboard and outboard propulsion
  4. 10.4Surface-piercing propellers and waterjet systems
  5. 10.5Planing dynamics and porpoising
  6. 10.6UIM powerboating rules
  7. 10.7Electrification of sports boats
  8. 10.8Speed and fuel-consumption trials
  9. 10.9Safety in powerboat racing
  10. 10.10Practical: propeller selection for a racing powerboat
  1. 11.1Phases of a boat project
  2. 11.2Management of design and construction
  3. 11.3Budgets and cost control
  4. 11.4Management of marine suppliers
  5. 11.5Type approval and CE marking
  6. 11.6Sponsorship and funding models
  7. 11.7Boat transport logistics
  8. 11.8Sustainability and life cycle
  9. 11.9Management of design teams
  10. 11.10Workshop: project plan for a racing yacht
  1. 12.1Definition of the boat concept
  2. 12.2Requirements analysis and class rules
  3. 12.3Design of hull lines and appendages
  4. 12.4Design of the sail plan or propulsion
  5. 12.5Velocity prediction
  6. 12.6Basic structural design
  7. 12.7Economic and market assessment
  8. 12.8Conclusions of the nautical project
  9. 12.9Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine the programme with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Maxsurf, Rhinoceros 3D, ORC VPP, Expedition and ANSYS Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures for performance analysis with sailing data, boat velocity prediction and hydrodynamic appendage design. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 12215-5, ISO 12217-2, Directive 2013/53/EU, World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations, World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing, ORC Rules, IRC Rules.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 12215-5, ISO 12217-2, Directive 2013/53/EU and the World Sailing regulations applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Maxsurf, Rhinoceros 3D, ORC VPP, Expedition, ANSYS Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete sports boat design project, from concept, class rules and lines to velocity prediction, structures and market assessment, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Boat concept and class rules
Define the boat concept and analyse its requirements and class rules.
Hull lines and appendages
Design the hull form, keel and rudder, checking resistance with Maxsurf.
Sail plan and VPP
Design the sail plan or propulsion and predict speed with ORC VPP.
Structure and deck
Size the basic structure to ISO 12215 and lay out the deck systems.
Master's Thesis
Integrate design, performance and market assessment into the thesis, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Yacht design engineerRace performance engineerSailing data analystNautical project managerHydrodynamics specialistSports shipyard technician
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Maxsurf, Rhinoceros 3D, ORC VPP, Expedition, ANSYS Fluent, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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